Kilts, kilts and plaids
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Kilt, tartan skirt, plaid – what exactly is what?
The kilt – also known as a Scottish skirt – is far more than just an item of clothing: it is a piece of living history from the Scottish Highlands, worn today at medieval markets, Celtic festivals, Highland Games and even as everyday attire. Both terms, kilt and Schottenrock, refer to the same thing: a knee-length pleated skirt made of tartan fabric, traditionally worn by men. The word kilt originates from Old Norse and roughly translates as ‘wrapping fabric around the body’ – a reference to the close historical ties between the Nordic peoples and the inhabitants of the Scottish Highlands.
This is to be distinguished from the plaid, also known as the belted plaid or Feileadh Mòr (Great Kilt). This is the historical precursor garment: a long piece of woollen fabric that could serve both as a skirt and as a shoulder cape. In the early 18th century, this Great Kilt evolved into the Feileadh Beag – the Small Kilt – the precursor to the modern kilt as we know it today. Whilst the plaid is more of a wrap-around coat-skirt, the kilt refers to the fitted pleated skirt fastened with buckles or straps.
The history of the kilt – from the Highland plaid to the modern pleated skirt
Belted plaid in the Highlands
First written references to the Feileadh Mòr in the Scottish Highlands. The large plaid served as clothing, a blanket and protection against the harsh weather of the mountain regions – versatile and practical.
The Little Kilt emerges
The Feileadh Beag (Little Kilt) develops from the Belted Plaid: the upper part is cut off, the lower part worn as a separate hip skirt. Lighter, more practical and already very similar to the modern kilt.
Dress Act – Prohibition and Cultural Reinforcement
Following the Jacobite uprising of 1745, the British Dress Act banned the wearing of the kilt in Scotland. Paradoxically, the ban cemented the kilt’s status as a symbol of Scottish resistance and cultural pride.
Rebirth as a national symbol
In 1822, Sir Walter Scott staged King George IV’s visit to Edinburgh as a Highland spectacle. Queen Victoria’s enthusiasm for Scotland and Balmoral Castle did the rest: the kilt became a symbol of Scottish national identity and the association of specific tartans with clans became popular.
A cult garment worldwide
Kilts are an integral part of Highland Games, Scottish weddings, Celtic festivals and medieval markets. They also enjoy great popularity worldwide outside Scotland – as traditional dress, costume and a fashion statement.
Frequently asked questions: Who can wear a kilt, what goes underneath, and how much does a genuine kilt cost?
These questions come up particularly often in connection with the kilt – and the answers are less complicated than many people think:
Who is allowed to wear a kilt? Basically, anyone. There are no official clan rules prohibiting non-Scots from wearing certain tartans. Even those without a Scottish background are free to choose any tartan they like. The romanticised notion that every tartan belongs exclusively to a clan is primarily a product of the 19th century.
What goes under the kilt? Traditionally, nothing – this practice has its origins in Scottish military history, where it was simply a matter of practicality. Today, it is entirely up to the individual. Those attending festivals or medieval markets can decide as they see fit.
How much does an original kilt cost? Handmade made-to-measure kilts from Scottish workshops cost between 300 and 800 euros or more, depending on the workmanship. Good-quality ready-made kilts – such as those found in our range – start at around 60 to 70 euros and provide an excellent basis for medieval markets, Celtic festivals and leisure events.
The complete kilt outfit: sporran, kilt pin, plaid and more
| Accessories | Function | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Sporran (kilt pouch) | Replaces missing trouser pockets; worn on a chain or holder at the front of the kilt | Traditional |
| Kilt pin | Secures the front flap of the kilt; decorative with Scottish symbols | Traditional |
| Plaid / Scarf | Large tartan scarf (approx. 234 × 137 cm), to be worn as a shawl or scarf | Versatile |
| Medieval shirt | Laced shirt or medieval shirt as a base layer for your outfit | LARP & Market |
| Historical shoes | Medieval shoes or Celtic lace-up shoes complete the outfit | LARP & Market |
| Wool socks with flashes | Traditionally worn under the kilt, flashes hold the socks in place on the lower leg | Traditional |
| Sporran holder | A stylish alternative to the sporran chain, secures the sporran to the waistband | Versatile |
Kilt for which occasion? Medieval market, carnival, Highland Games & everyday wear
A kilt pin or sporran holder as your first accessory – ideal for enhancing an existing outfit. If you’re wearing a kilt for the first time, start with these small details and build your outfit up step by step.
The classic 8-yard kilt in Black Watch or Black Stewart tartan, combined with a lace-up shirt and historical footwear. The kilt is very popular at medieval markets and Celtic festivals – even though it only dates back to the 16th century and is therefore not an authentic medieval garment, it is tolerated by most organisers. For Fasching and Carnival, it forms the perfect basis for a Scottish costume.
Kilt, matching plaid scarf, leather sporran, kilt pin and woollen socks – a complete Scottish outfit for Highland Games, Scottish festivals or LARP with a Celtic-inspired character. The sporran replaces the missing pockets and is not an optional extra, but a functional part of the outfit.
Tartan patterns and their meanings: Black Watch, Stewart and Co.
Black Watch tartan
One of the world’s best-known tartans, associated with the legendary Scottish infantry regiment, the Black Watch. The subtle, dark pattern is suitable for many occasions and is particularly popular with beginners.
Black Stewart Tartan
The Black Stewart pattern is livelier than the Black Watch tartan and is particularly popular at celebrations, Celtic festivals and medieval markets. An eye-catching pattern that combines tradition with a love of colour.
Black (Plain)
The plain black kilt is a modern variation that pairs particularly well with other garments – ideal for LARP characters, rock concerts, festivals and anyone who prefers a more understated look.
As a general rule: tartan refers to the characteristic checked pattern made up of different-coloured wool strips, which has been woven in Scotland for centuries. The close connection between certain tartans and clans became particularly popular in the 19th century under the influence of Sir Walter Scott. Today, there are no strict rules about which tartan you are allowed to wear – even non-Scots are free to choose any tartan.
Caring for your kilt: how to keep your tartan looking good for longer
Most kilts in our range are made from polyacrylic tartan fabric, which imitates the look of wool whilst being significantly easier to care for than genuine wool. Here is an overview of the most important care instructions:
- Storage: Store the kilt hanging up, ideally on a wide hanger. This preserves the pleat structure and prevents creases.
- Washing: Wash polyacrylic kilts on a gentle cycle at a maximum of 30 degrees; never spin-dry – this destroys the pleats.
- Stains: Dab light stains with a damp cloth; do not rub. Pre-treat stubborn stains separately.
- Ironing: It is better to steam the pleats than to iron them – hold the steam iron at a slight distance, do not press it directly onto the fabric.
- Travelling: Roll the kilt loosely, do not fold it, to avoid creased edges.
- Sporran: Treat the leather sporran occasionally with a suitable leather conditioner to keep the leather supple.
Buying a kilt: What to look for in terms of size, fabric and workmanship
The classic 8-yard kilt – the centrepiece of the range – is made from around 8 yards (approx. 7.3 metres) of fabric. This amount of fabric is worked into deep pleats at the back, creating the characteristic swing when walking. The fabric is laid flat over the body at the front and fastened with buckles.
On choosing a size: Kilts are measured by waist circumference in inches, not by European clothing sizes. The range includes sizes 36–46 inches (roughly equivalent to S to XXXL). As a rule of thumb: the kilt should end at the middle of the knee – not above, not below. To determine the correct size, measure your waist circumference at the level of your navel and your hip circumference at the widest point, and choose the larger of the two measurements.
Material: The kilts in the range are made from 100% polyacrylic tartan fabric with a polyester lining. The material convincingly imitates the look of wool and is well suited for leisure events, markets and LARP. Anyone looking for a genuine woollen kilt for authentic re-enactment should look to specialist Scottish suppliers – and expect significantly higher prices. For the majority of the re-enactment community, the polyacrylic kilts offered here are the practical and cost-effective choice.
A sporran and kilt pin are not optional extras in a complete kilt outfit: the sporran replaces the missing trouser pockets, whilst the kilt pin secures the front flap and prevents unwanted glimpses. Both accessories are available in the range from €13.44 and can be easily combined with a Celtic outfit or a carnival costume.
Whether you’re looking for a kilt for the next medieval market, want to put together a Scottish costume for carnival, or simply wish to wear a sturdy piece of Scottish tradition – in this category you’ll find kilts in various sizes and tartans, matching sporrans, plaids and kilt pins. Take your time to have a look around and grab one if the pattern’s right.
Frequently asked questions
Kilt and Schottenrock refer to the same garment – a knee-length pleated skirt made of tartan fabric, traditionally worn by men. Schottenrock is simply the German translation of the Anglo-Scottish term kilt. Both terms are used interchangeably.
The plaid (also known as a belted plaid or Feileadh Mòr) is the historical predecessor of the kilt: a long piece of woollen fabric that was worn both as a skirt and as a shoulder cape. The modern kilt (Feileadh Beag) emerged in the early 18th century as a simplified evolution – comprising only the lower part of the plaid, as a separate pleated skirt. Worn as a scarf or shawl, the plaid still complements the kilt outfit to this day.
In principle, anyone can wear a kilt – there are no official rules prohibiting non-Scots from wearing certain tartans. The link between clans and specific tartan patterns is primarily a 19th-century phenomenon and is no longer a binding tradition. So anyone who wishes to wear a kilt is free to choose according to their own taste.
Handmade made-to-measure kilts produced in Scotland usually cost between 300 and 800 euros or more. Good-quality ready-made kilts made from polyacrylic tartan – which are well suited for medieval markets, festivals and LARP – start at around 60 to 70 euros. Kilt pins and sporran holders are available from around 13 euros.
Traditionally, nothing was worn under the kilt – this practice has its roots in Scottish military history and was simply pragmatic. Today, it is up to the individual to decide what to wear under the kilt. At festivals and markets, everyone decides according to their own judgement and personal comfort.